A YOUNG entrepreneur was gobsmacked' when he scooped a Prince's Trust award.

Sam Fletcher, 25, from Ewood, Blackburn, beat four other finalists in for the Royal Bank of Scotland-sponsored Enterprise Award.

The Celebrate Success event took place at the Palace Hotel, Manchester, as part of the Trust's 30th anniversary.

Sam is managing director of his publishing company Redwelly, which he set up 22 months ago with the help of the Prince's Trust He said: "I was nominated for the award by the Prince's Trust in Blackburn.

"I was gobsmacked when I found out that I had won the award.

"It was a huge honour. Launching Redwelly has given me the chance to do something I love - so it seems a bit strange to receive an award for it too.

"The support from Prince's Trust has played an important part in our success, so I'm very grateful, not just for this award - but for their support over this crucial start-up period."

Redwelly is based in Eanam Wharf and Sam, a former student at Darwen's Moorland High School and Blackburn College, said: "I have always wanted to be my own boss.

"I think because I am ambitious I would have set up the company but the Prince's Trust made my success sooner and has given me expertise and help I wouldn't have had."

Sam will now compete against 11 other Prince's Trust regional winners for a place in the UK finals.